President Nikos Christodoulides’ address to the UN General Assembly was billed at home as “historic.” It was not. The speech drew little attention abroad, delivered to a near-empty hall, and convinced no one of Cyprus’ readiness for peace.
For years, the international community has recognized that responsibility for the frozen conflict does not rest solely with Turkey. It watches not what leaders say, but what they do. On this front, Christodoulides offers nothing new. His call on Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to “end the occupation” through a federal solution was predictable, hollow, and unsupported by any concrete steps.
The President speaks of turning Cyprus’ geography into a “strategic advantage.” Yet after thirty months in office, that promise remains words on paper. No initiatives, no bold gestures, no sign of political courage. Instead, his team recycles grand declarations for domestic applause, while abroad Cyprus’ voice carries little weight.
Christodoulides insists he is ready for a settlement. But even in Cyprus, few take his proclamations seriously. Neither partners nor the UN are persuaded, because beyond rhetoric he has shown no willingness to take risks, build trust, or break the deadlock.
Until he does, his speeches will remain what the UN hall reflected last week: empty space and indifference.